Democrats to Curb Governor’s Emergency Powers

On Tuesday, Democrats in the state legislature reached an agreement to reign in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s emergency pandemic powers. The twin nursing home and sexual harassment scandals that emerged last month accelerated their decision as the Governor’s approval rating slid to 38% in the latest polling.

Lawmakers expect to pass the bill in both houses on Friday. However, not much may change after lawmakers act. Their bill stops Cuomo from issuing new directives, but it does not repeal any of the mandates already in place. The proposal also allows the Governor to extend his previous executive orders and even modify them as long as he sends a message to the Legislature that explains how the provisions relate to the COVID crisis.

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By default, this change would put some power back in local officials’ hands, but the bill prohibits them from contradicting the state mandates that remain in place. That means a municipal official could not repeal the mask mandate in their city or end the grace period on property tax payments. The bill also allows localities to submit public comments on a particular order, but only if it relates exclusively to that locality.

Lawmakers expect to pass the bill in both houses tomorrow.